https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/fossil_fuels/ Fossil Fuels. Read the latest scientific research on coal, gasoline, natural gas and diesel fuel, including fossil fuel processing. en-us Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:03:26 EDT Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:03:26 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/fossil_fuels/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260409101103.htm A new chip design from UC San Diego could make data centers far more energy-efficient by rethinking how power is converted for GPUs. By combining vibrating piezoelectric components with a clever circuit layout, the system overcomes limitations of traditional designs. The prototype achieved impressive efficiency and delivered much more power than previous attempts. Though not ready for widespread use yet, it points to a promising future for high-performance computing. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:45:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260409101103.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044703.htm Researchers have created a cutting-edge catalyst that turns CO2 into methanol more efficiently than ever before. Instead of using clumps of metal atoms, they engineered a system where each single indium atom actively drives the reaction. This dramatically reduces energy needs while making the process easier to study and optimize. The result could accelerate the shift toward cleaner fuels and sustainable chemical production. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:31:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044703.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313062539.htm Cambridge scientists have discovered a light-powered chemical reaction that lets researchers modify complex drug molecules at the final stages of development. Unlike traditional methods that rely on toxic chemicals and harsh conditions, the new approach uses an LED lamp to create essential carbon–carbon bonds under mild conditions. This could make drug discovery faster and more environmentally friendly. The breakthrough was uncovered unexpectedly during a failed laboratory experiment. Sat, 14 Mar 2026 01:56:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313062539.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313002630.htm Scientists are exploring a surprisingly simple way to clean up diesel engines: adding tiny droplets of water to the fuel. During combustion, the water rapidly vaporizes, triggering micro-explosions that improve fuel mixing and lower combustion temperatures. Studies show this technique can slash nitrogen oxide and soot emissions by more than 60% while sometimes even improving engine efficiency. Because it works in existing engines without redesign, it could provide a quick path to cleaner diesel use. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:04:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313002630.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121536.htm A new metasurface design lets light of different spins bend, focus, and behave independently—while staying sharp across many colors. The trick combines two geometric phase effects so each spin channel can be tuned without interfering with the other. Researchers demonstrated stable beam steering and dual-focus lenses over wide frequency ranges. The approach could scale from microwaves all the way to visible light. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:59:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204121536.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128230509.htm Scientists have created a device that captures carbon dioxide and transforms it into a useful chemical in a single step. The new electrode works with realistic exhaust gases rather than requiring purified CO2. It converts the captured gas into formic acid, which is used in energy and manufacturing. The system even functions at CO2 levels found in normal air. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:28:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128230509.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260104202734.htm Scientists have found a way to see ultrafast molecular interactions inside liquids using an extreme laser technique once thought impossible for fluids. When they mixed nearly identical chemicals, one combination behaved strangely—producing less light and erasing a single harmonic signal altogether. Simulations revealed that a subtle molecular “handshake” was interfering with electron motion. The discovery shows that liquids can briefly organize in ways that dramatically change how electrons behave. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:36:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260104202734.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228074503.htm Researchers found that U.S. metal mines already contain large amounts of critical minerals that are mostly going unused. Recovering even a small fraction of these byproducts could sharply reduce dependence on imports for materials essential to clean energy and advanced technology. In many cases, the value of these recovered minerals could exceed the value of the mines’ primary products. The findings point to a surprisingly simple way to boost domestic supply without opening new mines. Sun, 28 Dec 2025 13:58:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228074503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210092017.htm Scientists have uncovered that some atoms in liquids don't move at all—even at extreme temperatures—and these anchored atoms dramatically alter the way materials freeze. Using advanced electron microscopy, researchers watched molten metal droplets solidify and found that stationary atoms can trap liquids in tiny “atomic corrals,” keeping them fluid far below their normal freezing point and giving rise to a strange hybrid state of matter. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 03:15:21 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251210092017.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024241.htm Kyushu University scientists have achieved a major leap in fuel cell technology by enabling efficient proton transport at just 300°C. Their scandium-doped oxide materials create a wide, soft pathway that lets protons move rapidly without clogging the crystal lattice. This solves a decades-old barrier in solid-oxide fuel cell development and could make hydrogen power far more affordable. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:33:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024241.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251127102115.htm The discovery of strange, ultra-red objects—especially the extreme case known as The Cliff—has pushed astronomers to propose an entirely new type of cosmic structure: black hole stars. These exotic hybrids could explain rapid black hole growth in the early universe, but their existence remains unproven. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:49:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251127102115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118212039.htm A nationwide analysis has uncovered how sprawling fossil fuel infrastructure sits surprisingly close to millions of American homes. The research shows that 46.6 million people live within about a mile of wells, refineries, pipelines, storage sites, or transport facilities. Many of these locations release pollutants that may affect nearby communities, yet mid-supply-chain sites have rarely been studied. The findings reveal major gaps in understanding how this hidden network affects health. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:09:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118212039.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105625.htm Electrons can freeze into strange geometric crystals and then melt back into liquid-like motion under the right quantum conditions. Researchers identified how to tune these transitions and even discovered a bizarre “pinball” state where some electrons stay locked in place while others dart around freely. Their simulations help explain how these phases form and how they might be harnessed for advanced quantum technologies. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:56:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251116105625.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251105050712.htm A new copper-magnesium-iron catalyst transforms CO2 into CO at low temperatures with record-breaking efficiency and stability. The discovery paves the way for affordable, scalable production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:56:16 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251105050712.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102011148.htm Cambridge researchers have engineered a solar-powered “artificial leaf” that mimics photosynthesis to make valuable chemicals sustainably. Their biohybrid device combines organic semiconductors and enzymes to convert CO₂ and sunlight into formate with high efficiency. It’s durable, non-toxic, and runs without fossil fuels—paving the way for a greener chemical industry. Sun, 02 Nov 2025 05:52:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102011148.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085620.htm A Penn State research team found that streetlights could double as affordable EV charging stations. After installing 23 units in Kansas City, they discovered these chargers were faster, cheaper, and more eco-friendly than traditional stations. Their AI-based framework also prioritized equity and scalability, making it adaptable for cities across the country. Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085620.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251001092218.htm A team in Sweden has unraveled the hidden structure of a promising solar material using machine learning and advanced simulations. Their findings could unlock durable, ultra-efficient solar cells for a rapidly electrifying world. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:22:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251001092218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035016.htm Bio-tar, once seen as a toxic waste, can be transformed into bio-carbon with applications in clean energy and environmental protection. This innovation could reduce emissions, create profits, and solve a major bioenergy industry problem. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:49:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035016.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250917221212.htm America already mines all the critical minerals it needs for energy, defense, and technology, but most are being wasted as mine tailings. Researchers discovered that minerals like cobalt, germanium, and rare earths are discarded in massive amounts, even though recovering just a fraction could eliminate U.S. dependence on imports. Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:12:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250917221212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005230.htm A research team created a plant-inspired molecule that can store four charges using sunlight, a key step toward artificial photosynthesis. Unlike past attempts, it works with dimmer light, edging closer to real-world solar fuel production. Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:08:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250826005230.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250810094401.htm Scientists at SLAC unexpectedly created gold hydride, a compound of gold and hydrogen, while studying diamond formation under extreme pressure and heat. This discovery challenges gold’s reputation as a chemically unreactive metal and opens doors to studying dense hydrogen, which could help us understand planetary interiors and fusion processes. The results also suggest that extreme conditions can produce exotic, previously unknown compounds, offering exciting opportunities for future high-pressure chemistry research. Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:20:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250810094401.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233115.htm A rare mineral from a 1724 meteorite defies the rules of heat flow, acting like both a crystal and a glass. Thanks to AI and quantum physics, researchers uncovered its bizarre ability to maintain constant thermal conductivity, a breakthrough that could revolutionize heat management in technology and industry. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:31:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803233115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011823.htm Plastic pollution is a mounting global issue, but scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have taken a bold step forward by creating a new bioplastic inspired by the structure of leaves. Their innovation, LEAFF, enhances strength, functionality, and biodegradability by utilizing cellulose nanofibers, outperforming even traditional plastics. It degrades at room temperature, can be printed on, and resists air and water, offering a game-changing solution for sustainable packaging. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 01:18:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235859.htm Deep in Serbia's Jadar Valley, scientists discovered a mineral with an uncanny resemblance to Superman's Kryptonite both in composition and name. Dubbed jadarite, this dull white crystal lacks the glowing green menace of its comic book counterpart but packs a punch in the real world. Rich in lithium and boron, jadarite could help supercharge the global transition to green energy. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 23:58:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235859.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235819.htm Penn State researchers have uncovered a surprising twist in a foundational chemical reaction known as oxidative addition. Typically believed to involve transition metals donating electrons to organic compounds, the team discovered an alternate path—one in which electrons instead move from the organic molecule to the metal. This reversal, demonstrated using platinum and palladium exposed to hydrogen gas, could mean chemists have misunderstood a fundamental step for decades. The discovery opens the door to fresh opportunities in industrial chemistry and pollution control, especially through new reaction designs using electron-deficient metals. Mon, 28 Jul 2025 01:42:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235819.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230318.htm Scientists have finally uncovered a quantum counterpart to Carnot’s famed second law, showing that entanglement—once thought stubbornly irreversible—can be shuffled back and forth without loss if you plug in a clever “entanglement battery.” Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:01:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250704032934.htm Australian scientists have discovered a method to produce ammonia—an essential component in fertilizers—using only air and electricity. By mimicking lightning and channeling that energy through a small device, they’ve bypassed the traditional, fossil fuel-heavy method that’s been used for over a century. This breakthrough could lead to cleaner, cheaper fertilizer and even help power the future, offering a potential alternative fuel source for industries like shipping. Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:48:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250704032934.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072757.htm Researchers in Sweden have developed a powerful new material that dramatically boosts the ability to create hydrogen fuel from water using sunlight, making the process eight times more effective than before. This breakthrough could be key to fueling heavy transport like ships and planes with clean, renewable energy. Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:27:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623072757.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250622030532.htm A Rice University team discovered that bubbling CO₂ through a mild acid dramatically improves the lifespan and efficiency of electrochemical devices that convert CO₂ into useful fuels. This simple trick prevents salt buildup—a major barrier to commercialization—by altering local chemistry just enough to keep salts dissolved and flowing. The result? A device that ran for over 4,500 hours without clogging, using common catalysts and scalable technology. It's a breakthrough that could make green CO₂ conversion far more viable in the real world. Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:05:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250622030532.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250618094455.htm As electric vehicles grow more popular, their warning sounds may not be doing enough to protect pedestrians. A Swedish study shows that these signals are hard to locate, especially when multiple vehicles are involved, leaving people unable to tell where danger is coming from or how many cars are nearby. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:44:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250618094455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528174911.htm Materials scientists have succeeded in creating a genuine 2D hybrid material called glaphene. Wed, 28 May 2025 17:49:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528174911.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131645.htm A new study in Nature describes both the mechanism and the material conditions necessary for superfluorescence at high temperature. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:16:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131645.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm Researchers have designed a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system that could help make zero-emission aviation a reality. Their work outlines a scalable, integrated system that addresses several engineering challenges at once by enabling hydrogen to be used as a clean fuel and also as a built-in cooling medium for critical power systems aboard electric-powered aircraft. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm Engineers developed a fuel cell that offers more than three times as much energy per pound compared to lithium-ion batteries. Powered by a reaction between sodium metal and air, the device could be lightweight enough to enable the electrification of airplanes, trucks, or ships. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:41:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm Engineers developed a membrane that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size, an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation. Thu, 22 May 2025 16:25:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520162126.htm Researchers have developed an inexpensive and potentially scalable approach that uses a commercially available peroxide to bind polyethylene and polypropylene together, thereby creating a more useful, high-quality plastic recycling additive. Tue, 20 May 2025 16:21:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520162126.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520161838.htm Increasing renewable energy may not reduce the use of fossil fuels in the United States, according to a new study . Tue, 20 May 2025 16:18:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520161838.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132456.htm Charge transfer, or the movement of electrons, can occur either within a molecule or between two molecules. Combining the two types of charge transfer is challenging. Now, scientists have developed a hybrid charge transfer crystal using a novel pyrazinacene molecule. This crystal is capable of reacting with naphthalene to produce a reversible color shift, from greenish-blue to red-violet. Such color-changing crystals can have various potential applications in materials science. Thu, 15 May 2025 13:24:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515132456.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514181649.htm As industries seek innovative solutions for carbon capture, scientists have turned to advanced materials that efficiently trap and store carbon dioxide (CO ) from industrial emissions. A recent study sheds light on the gas adsorption physics of so-called Calgary Framework 20 (CALF-20), a zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF). While applying a combination of advanced techniques, the scientists reveal the material's unique adaptability under varying conditions. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:16:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514181649.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112309.htm Fungi are considered a promising source of biodegradable materials. Researchers have developed a new material based on a fungal mycelium and its own extracellular matrix. This gives the biomaterial particularly advantageous properties. Tue, 13 May 2025 11:23:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112309.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112301.htm Researchers have detailed the geological ingredients required to find clean sources of natural hydrogen beneath our feet. The work details the requirements for natural hydrogen, produced by the Earth itself over geological time, to accumulate in the crust, and identifies that the geological environments with those ingredients are widespread globally. Hydrogen is $135 billion industry, essential for making fertilizer and other important societal chemicals, and a critical clean energy source for future low carbon emission technologies, with a market estimated to be up to $1000 billion by 2050. These findings offer a solution to the challenge of hydrogen supply, and will help industry to locate and extract natural hydrogen to meet global demands, eliminating the use of hydrocarbons for this purpose. Tue, 13 May 2025 11:23:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250513112301.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509121910.htm New bismuth-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials show exceptional sensitivity and long-term stability as X-ray detectors, significantly more sensitive than commercial X-ray detectors. In addition, these materials can be produced without solvents by ball milling, a mechanochemical synthesis process that is environmentally friendly and scalable. More sensitive detectors would allow for a reduction in the radiation exposure during X-ray examinations. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:19:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509121910.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508161141.htm A new study analyzes the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that showed that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing and able to implement cleaner and more efficient business practices within their operations -- without legal enforcement -- if they receive the proper training and support, and if those changes are aligned with their profit motives. The study is the first to rigorously demonstrate successful strategies to improve efficiency within the traditional brick kiln industry. Thu, 08 May 2025 16:11:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508161141.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130330.htm Researchers have outlined a bold new roadmap for harnessing heterogeneous catalysis to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the so-called 'forever chemicals' that have contaminated water supplies worldwide. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:03:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141916.htm Lightweight lithium metal is a heavy-hitting critical mineral, serving as the key ingredient in the rechargeable batteries that power phones, laptops, electric vehicles and more. As ubiquitous as lithium is in modern technology, extracting the metal is complex and expensive. A new method enables high-efficiency lithium extraction -- in minutes, not hours -- using low temperatures and simple water-based leaching. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:19:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250430141916.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429103149.htm The global energy system may be faced with an inescapable trade-off between urgently addressing climate change versus avoiding an energy shortfall, according to a new energy scenario tool. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:31:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250429103149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221705.htm With more than 181.5 billion tons of wood produced globally each year, a new method could revolutionize how we build sustainably. By infusing red oak with ferrihydrite using a simple, low-cost process, researchers strengthened the wood at the cellular level without adding weight or altering flexibility -- offering a durable, eco-friendly alternative to steel and concrete. The treated wood retains its natural behavior but gains internal durability -- paving the way for greener alternatives in construction, furniture and flooring. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:17:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221705.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220921.htm Researchers have developed a new catalyst design capable of pushing the projected fuel cell catalyst lifespans to 200,000 hours. The research marks a significant step toward the widespread adoption of fuel cell technology in heavy-duty vehicles, such as long-haul tractor trailers. While platinum-alloy catalysts have historically delivered superior chemical reactions, the alloying elements leach out over time, diminishing catalytic performance. The degradation is further accelerated by the demanding voltage cycles required to power heavy-duty vehicles. To address this challenge, the team has engineered a durable catalyst architecture with a novel design that shields platinum from the degradation typically observed in alloy systems. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:09:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428220921.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421162828.htm Based on fundamental research, a new startup is upending decades-old approaches for the way the world extracts lithium and other materials. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:28:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250421162828.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145252.htm An international team has succeeded in producing new, efficient thermoelectric materials that could compete with state-of-the-art materials, offering greater stability and lower cost. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:52:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145252.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135244.htm Switching from diesel to electric trains dramatically improved the air quality aboard the San Francisco Bay Area's Caltrain commuter rail line, reducing riders' exposure to the carcinogen black carbon by an average of 89%, finds a new study. The electrification of the system also significantly reduced the ambient black carbon concentrations within and around the San Francisco station. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:52:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411175711.htm Physicists have shown that particles produced in collimated sprays called jets retain information about their origins in subatomic particle smashups. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:57:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411175711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411175454.htm A team of scientists has directly observed catalysis in-action at the atomic level. In mesmerizing new videos, single atoms move and shake during a chemical reaction that removes hydrogen atoms from an alcohol molecule. By viewing the process in real time, the researchers discovered several short-lived intermediate molecules involved in the reaction as well as a previously hidden reaction pathway. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:54:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411175454.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411105855.htm Scientists have developed a scalable method to produce porous graphene membranes that efficiently separate carbon dioxide. The breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and footprint of carbon capture technology. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:58:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250411105855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410131008.htm The transition to electric vehicles won't reduce carbon emissions unless countries clean up their electricity grids. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:10:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410131008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409173108.htm New technology could enable more sustainable and cheaper production of bio-oils to replace petroleum-based products in electronic, construction and automotive applications. The technology, known as PYROCOTM, uses high temperatures without oxygen to convert treated sewage (biosolids) into a carbon-rich product called biochar, which can act as a catalyst to produce phenol-rich bio-oil. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:31:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409173108.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115253.htm Scientists have discovered key conditions needed for a stellar black hole to create plasma jets. Their findings show that when superheated gas material experiences a rapid shrinkage towards the black hole, jet formation occurs. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:52:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115253.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115055.htm Researchers analyzed trade-related risks to energy security across 1,092 scenarios for cutting carbon emissions by 2060. They found that swapping out dependence on imported fossil fuels for increased dependence on critical minerals for clean energy would improve security for most nations -- including the U.S., if it cultivates new trade partners. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:50:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115055.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115000.htm Cancer diagnoses traditionally require invasive or labor-intensive procedures such as tissue biopsies. Now, research reveals a method that uses pulsed infrared light to identify molecular profiles in blood plasma that could indicate the presence of certain common cancers. In this proof-of-concept study, blood plasma from more than 2,000 people was analyzed to link molecular patterns to lung cancer, extrapolating a potential 'cancer fingerprint.' Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:50:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409115000.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114956.htm Wear and tear on plastic products releases small to nearly invisible plastic particles, which could impact people's health when consumed or inhaled. To make these particles biodegradable, researchers created plastics from plant starch instead of petroleum. An initial study shows how animals consuming particles from this alternative material developed health problems such as liver damage and gut microbiome imbalances. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:49:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409114956.htm